Michelle R. Peirce is a litigator handling high-stakes criminal, civil, and enforcement matters. Co-Chair of the firm’s White Collar & Government Enforcement group, Michelle represents companies, business executives, and individuals in connection with white-collar criminal investigations and indictments, internal investigations, and complex civil litigation. Described in Chambers as “an inspiring, creative, brilliant and dedicated attorney,” Michelle has tried numerous complex jury and bench trials in state and federal court. In addition to being a trial lawyer, Michelle is a trained mediator and a panel member of Middlesex Mediation, LLC.
Michelle has extensive experience leading complex internal and independent investigations. She serves as trusted outside counsel, overseeing and running investigations and reporting on factual findings related to potential criminal violations inside of publicly and privately held corporations, non-profit organizations, and boards of directors. These investigations range from complex and broad to narrow and discrete, but across all, Michelle skillfully and discretely addresses the unique needs surrounding the allegations presented. Her steady, comprehensive approach stems from her time serving as a Special Assistant District Attorney in Middlesex County where she established a strong reputation for analyzing, prosecuting, and trying numerous criminal cases. This foundational experience is informative to her current investigative work spanning healthcare, employment, securities, bankruptcy, export, tax, defense procurement, and other federal and state issues.
Equally gifted in her civil litigation practice, Michelle counsels businesses, non-profits organizations, public entities, as well as individuals in navigating a range of civil and regulatory violations at the state and federal level. She is known for exceptional advocacy on contract disputes, complex business litigation, healthcare matters, employment disputes, insurance matters, and more. Additionally, Michelle handles disciplinary, regulatory, and licensing proceedings for lawyers, doctors, and other licensed professionals.
In addition to her thriving trial practice, Michelle is deeply committed to fostering inclusive workplaces. A member of Hinckley Allen’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee, she drives innovative ways to recruit and retain a diverse workforce at the firm. In the legal industry in general, Michelle supports women lawyers through advocacy and is a former president of both the Women’s Bar Foundation and Women’s Bar Association; she serves as a longstanding Trustee on the Women’s Bar Foundation’s Board and represents indigent clients through the Foundation’s Family Law Project. She is an essential part of the fabric of the white-collar defense world; Michelle is especially generous with her time in mentoring newer attorneys as they build successful careers.
Michelle is highly respected and sought for her knowledge, skills, and results. Her hallmark is innovative thinking and a deep commitment to clients. People seek her legal counsel not just because of her exceptional reputation, but also because of her collaborative and cooperative approach to problem solving.